Saturday, May 2, 2015

golden girls

Hello to Sarah Parga's bridesmaids! My name is (also) Sarah, and I am helping with the look of Sarah and Eddie's wedding. I have had requests to put together some guidelines, which you'll find below this little mood board.

I've pinned some pieces that fit the bill that are currently available for purchase to get you started here. If you have any questions, feel free to email me, and I'll try my best to get back to you in a timely matter.


About the look: 
  • Sarah's dress has some gold undertones in it, as does the venue (Union Station), so we want to bring that out in the bridesmaid looks as well. The golds can be in a range, but the middle tones are best (not too light and close to Sarah's dress, not too dark and close to Eddie's tux). We want to keep the eye focused on those lovebirds. 
  • Dresses can be any sleeve length, though if you go the strapless route, make sure the length is a little bit longer to balance the bareness on top. 
  • Catholic school uniform skirt rules apply: Skirts should be above the knee, but make sure your hands reach <close to> the hem. In general, though you are wearing gold, it shouldn't look like you are going clubbing. 
  • If you find a long dress you really love, remember that you can hem it to knee length to fit the bill. 
  • Sequins, beading, and/or brocade are all great. Other glitzy avenues are fine too, but as a guideline, if the fabric looks like something you would have loved to wear to a middle school dance, keep looking. (Or carry on if you were super tasteful as a 12 year old)
  • Delicate gold or nude shoes. Sarah doesn't care what you wear on your feet, as long as you're comfortable/not complaining about foot pain, but I am happy to weigh in and make suggestions based on the rest of your look if that's helpful. 
  • For anyone that doesn't travel the dress route, we have a few other paths to take, depending on your aesthetic. I am not having a lot of luck finding gold blazers as summer approaches, so that may be something to look for as we move into fall. I think a classic white or cream shirt with a gold bow tie, slim fit khaki or black dress pants, and a cool, gold oxford or loafer could be great. You could also throw in a gold vest as an option too. It seems gold menswear-inspired looks are tougher to find in summer, but I can certainly help you find something before January. Downtown LA's Santee Alley may be a great spot to check. 
Here are a few other shopping links to check out (Most of the dresses on the pinterest board are from these sources):

Anthropologie Lots of ladylike dresses, many of them overpriced, but they do sales often. Also good for metallic jackets and interesting shoes. 

Asos Great for shoes and both women's and menswear.  Variety of price points, new merchandise often.

Bhldn Anthropologie's bridal store. Similarly priced to Anthropologie, but lovely dresses and accessories for ideas. 

Bloomingdale's "Aqua" exclusive line often does metallics. Look for things on sale.

Dillard's Good price point for dresses and shoes.

Macy's Great prices for both women's and menswear, and you can return things for up to a year.

ModCloth Cute, quirky dresses. Their inventory turnover is really quick, so if you like something, don't wait to buy it or it will be sold out. 

Mrs. Bow Tie Interesting neck and bowties.

Neiman Marcus Last Call Bargain designer wear. Good for off-season merchandise. New inventory often.

Nordstrom Most likely to sell actual bridesmaid dresses. Variety of price points for both women's and menswear.

Nordstrom Rack The prices you would rather be paying for Nordstrom merchandise. Check often for new pieces. Great shoes. 

Revolve Clothing The prices vary wildly, but they usually have something sparkly in stock.

Saks Off Fifth Bargain designer wear. Good for off-season merchandise. New inventory often.

TheOutNet The prices vary wildly, but you can get get bargain designer wear here too. 

The Real Real Designer consignment with returns-- on other sites this stuff is final sale. Great for designer wear from seasons past (I just got an $1800 Zac Posen dress for $150!).

6pm Online outlet shopping. 

Zappos Wide variety of shoes. Fast shipping. Returns for a year. 

Happy shopping! Can't wait to see what you find. xo, Sarah